Suzuki Boulevard C50T vs. Kawasaki Vulcan 900 LT

tx_ryan:
Hey guys, my first post here. I rode a HD 883 for several years before I sold it in '02. I'm debating buying an '06 C50 from a buddy. He's only got 900 miles on it and never rides it. He's willing to part with it for just the payments. My question, what's with the negatives on the spoke wheels? Is there a saftey issue with the tube tires, or just preferance? Thanks!

I have had tube tires for years.  I have never had any problems.  I always kept a tire/tube patch kit, but have never used them.  The spoke wheels look great in my humble opinion, but really suck when you go to wash your bike.  :-)  

@Dr_jmg
Have you decided?

I am also trying to choose between the Suzuki Boulevard C50T and the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 LT. I have also looked at the Yamaha V Star Silverado.

The C50T and Vulcan 900 have a definite power advantage and have been edging out the VStar.

Had anyone else purchased on of these models?

OscarT  

I'm leaning toward the C50T myself but after talking to two of my co-workers they keep telling me to get something bigger.  This will be my first bike so I'm worried about getting something too big; however, I don't want something that is too small.  I'm 6'1" so is this bike too small???  I'm talking about engine size and just the size of the bike in general...is there enough leg room for my size?

Looking to hear from those that are my size or larger.  Thanks.

Rage  

Have a friend who has the C50T he bought it just before I bought my 900 Classic LT.  After riding with me and riding my bike he wishes he had bought the Kawasaki.  He to has had the problem with the front rim.  I get 44 mph to his 40.  We both have Cobra speedster slash cuts but the sound of the C50T does not come close to the 900.  He had to replace his rear tire at 6800 miles due to the shaft drive.  And he just can't keep up with my 900 when we are pushing.  I have also rode his bike and would not even consider it over the 900.  As for the post about the engine noise of the 900, that is normal valve train noise on a kawasaki.  It does get better as you put more miles on it.  Also try going to Amsoil on you next oil change.  

Why would the C50 have tire problems on the front or back?  And seeing that you rode both what makes the Vulcan so much better in your opionion?  

Thanks for the info about the Vulcan engine noise "Vulcan90063445". Good to hear that it is normal. Actually heard a Kawasaki Quad roaring around today. Same thing. Drive train seemed noisy. About the oil. I'm assuming that the Amsoil is a synthetic right? My thoughts are that with the liquid cooled engine a synthetic oil is unnecessary. With a Harley with their air-cooled engine a synthetic would definately be the way to go. I've always used Esso oils and have found that they offer no mineral oil that meets all the oil specs in the Kawi manual. They offer a Mobil synthetic but that is about it. Anyone out there running a mineral oil in there Vulcan 900's? And if so What Brand?

Thanks
John  

I have a C50, gets 45-50 mpg. Put a Mustang on it, rode it 680 first day, 400 second. Rode 1575 over 12 mountain passes in 4 days comforably. Orig tires got almost 1400, second IRC factory set have 10K. Did make a pair of 2" Risers to move the handlebars up/back, more comforable. Sell them for 25/pair with instructions. ww4cash@sbcglobal.net
The C50's 65" wheelbase will carve canyons, and comes stock with Fuel Injection/Floorboards/Liquid Cooled and Shaft Drive (no greasy messy chain). Great all-around bike for the money.  

I have a C50 (added windshield, saddlebags, etc.) and put 9200 miles on it in the last year.  Great bike!  Very agile, comfortable (I did up to 500 miles per day and never changed the seats.)  I am in Colorado so we have done loads of mountain pass, highway and curvy roads.  I highly recommend it!  

i have the uk c50 but over here suzuki call it the vl 800 k7 and even on our english roads i love it.  

Hi,
  I have a Vulcan 900LT ,so naturaly I am prejudiced toward the Kaw. My bike was one of the first 2006's to hit the market . I do quite a bit of long distance riding - so the seat had to be replaced with a Mustang saddle after the first long ride ( 3500 miles in one week ). I've found nothing major to complain about with the 900 . It has adequate power for cruising the expressways with the cagers - good long distance comfort with the replacement saddle - and handles very well in all normal cruising situations. I have ridden side-by-side with a friend on a C-50 for about 5000 miles and we've agreed that my bike is the better tourer . The C-50 however doesn't scrape as quickly if you ride hard through the twisties. If you are really into canyon carving on the weekends - go with the C-50.
(personally I would prefer to limit that type of riding to a sports bike) For a person who - like me - does more highway riding, the 900 is - in my opinion - the better choice. Whatever you decide on , Ride safe.
By the way, after 16000 miles my bike is still under waranty but I have not needed it which is even better!  

VN900LT has more power - better brakes - and more comfort. Cost is a little higher, but worth it.  

Going to buy the C50T this Saturday.  Can't wait!  

JD Powers rates the Suzuki higher in quality -- price and quality, that's why Japan owns the world's motorcycle industry.  

For what it's worth, I owned a C50 (C800 over here in the UK)& could not fault the bike. I enjoyed every minute & thousands of miles of ownership. It handled way better than than you can expect of any cruiser, gave great gas mileage, was comfortable, totally reliable & best of all looked great! I'm sure the Kawasaki is a good bike also but to me it just doesn't look quite right - just my opinion which I'm sure somebody will flame me for!  
All roads lead somewhere!

Both the Kawasaki 900 and Suzuki C50 are great bikes and should meet all your "cruiser" needs.Mountain road twisties,long distance or short are fun on these bikes.Recently I have had a chance to ride larger cruisers and was surprised I actually prefered my VL800.I sure loved the bigger bikes power but the weight of these larger bikes dropped the "Thrill Factor" way below what my lighter bike can do.I guess long distance higher speed freeway on a bigger bike is the only way to go,but I almost never "freeway".If Suzuki & Kawasaki realized what a market they have in this class - they  could make a killing by offering upgrades-cast wheels, 6 speed gearbox,tunable shocks+forks,higher HP.I would be willing to pay for a upgraded model rather than gain 400lbs for a big bike.